Artist, Writer & Proprietor of The Poison Apple

Responsibility

By the 19th century the term took on the responsibility of being held accountable juxtaposed with a set of morals. To be held accountable is to answer for, holding an account of one’s actions and expressions.

Societal Morals are often in flux with personal morals and ethics. Can the morals and ethics of a Serial Killer be reconciled with a civilized society? The killer can justify his means to himself, but can he have it justified to the citizens in the locale where he resides?

The checks and balances come with a pointy reckoning of Laws, followed by a set of punishments ‘we the people’ call Just. Justice doesn’t always coincide with basic Human Rights, and the members of ‘we’ can find themselves in inner-turmoil when faced with the conflict.

How do they attempt to reconcile it? By penning documents, defining the terms of life and living it. The United States carries its Constitution like a bleeding heart. Every man, woman and child has the Right to life, although they may not have the Privilege to live it as they see fit.

If the Killer kills, a system in place will seize his person and property and hold it, against the will of the Killer. Punishments enacted can often be cruel and unusual, but all it requires to become usual is a louder voice to muffle the sounds of agony. Rights vs. Privilege. A Killer can have his Rights stripped from him, a formal punishment for his deeds. He can even have his very life taken from him. We lock the detestable away having only created a divide between the populations. Those that have Rights, and those that have Privilege. 33 States carry the death-penalty, should we pity those that have neither?

Many argue that there are crimes against humanity that are indefensible, inexcusable and are of the utmost of crimes which seeks punishment by death. Those that commit such acts are considered to be deserving of it.

For centuries it has been argued that punishment is within the scope of any civilized society for misdeeds but that punishment by death is within the power of the Government. Incarceration simply isn’t enough for the most reviled of citizens. And never mind the responsibility in shaping these proverbial monsters!

It’s even considered, in sentiment, a crime to sympathize with or mourn those that meet such a death.

The window-dressing of the criminal is tattered and stained, shall I change the curtains?

There are many crimes that carry the death-penalty that do not require the virility of a serial murderer!

If a citizen had any involvement in incidents that resulted in a death of another, this too carries such heavy penalties! The aggravator is just as responsible as the person who committed the act! Treason! Drug-Related offenses! Then, the children, we cannot forget about the horrific acts committed against the smallest of citizens, the innocent!

The list grows as this civilized society determines that malicious acts cannot be reconciled!

Fear not Ye Citizens! You can take part in this process of Responsibility! For you are the peers of the most reviled! You may be called to sit as Jury to Judge the evidence to determine guilt or innocence! You, Oh Responsible One, may be called to be the executor!

Societal Morals and Ethics are set in a premise that often sits beside the thrones of gods. A straight posture that is rather proud in their self-righteous indignation, but beware of those twisted spins waiving their Religion like a Patriots Flag! God Bless America! It is rarely a bother that they break HIS commandments, and are just as vile! Where is their compassion? Where is that crimson guarantee that the great redeemer so promised in a crown of thorns?

Absolution is nigh! It stands a golden palace on the street corner of desire! Pass through its doors on the day of the Sun and the rays cleanse the soul of responsibility! The gilded doors slam shut, locking away the prideful and needful things. Satan rattles the doors, demanding that you Hold yourself Responsible!

Won’t you be held accountable? Won’t you?

You are not really a believer, are you? Tell me. I really want to know.

The most human thing about you, and you sit in denial.

I understand. No, really I do. Humans rarely glorify the beast that is man, they seem to have a penchant for the SuperNatural…The Super Man! That higher force that dances behind a veil of secrecy. The critically thinking are looking up its skirt.

Man finds himself contemplating his own humanity. His own Blood-Lust…

Would I?

Could I?

What would it take for me to…?

What made this creature?

What would it take to redeem him? Redeem me?

Why am I so truly apathetic towards his suffering?

Civilized man…Dignified and standing erect, all the while bashing in the skulls of his neighbor, coveting his possessions, and finger-painting in his blood.

Welcome to Discovering the Male Mysteries with Mel Mystery. This blog is a supplement to my podcast is for and about gay and bi pagan men. My podcasts are about what it is to be gay, what it is to be pagan, what it is to be men -- sometimes as separate topics and sometimes all meshed together as one. I started this endeavor after seeing that there were few, if any, podcasts out there on this topic. The podcasts are informative, and present topics that challenge conventional thinking.